Hello forum. I am glad I found this valuable resource. First time poster and new member here. Yes, I did use the search function and read some threads before posting this!
My question is thus:
My daughter plays 9U travel fastpitch. She plays Pitcher and Shortstop and is tall / muscular for her age. She is 4' 7" and weighs 75 lbs.... turning 9 next month (plays up a level). She is a very good player and is very strong for her age. She needs a new glove. I want to know if it's OK to get her an 11.75" Rawlings 2023 Liberty Advanced Color Series, or buy a youth glove that she will almost certainly grow out of in a year or two. She trains 6 days a week, has great nutrition, and is growing like a weed.
I found a review that listed pros and cons for the Liberty Advanced... a con was that it was "designed for smaller hands"... a pro was that "it comes 70% broken in".
I called Rawlings and a Customer Service Rep directed us to an R9 and said she was not ready for the Liberty Advanced. She is about the size of an average 10.5 year old. Can someone chime in and help me figure out if I am jumping the gun by purchasing an adult glove? By the way, our organization has a 20% Off Dick's coupon this weekend... and we can get the Liberty for $159.99 plus tax instead of $199.99 plus tax. Free steaming as well. Is the steaming OK to do?
I know she would like the colorway options of the Liberty... which had a bit to do with the brand / model selection admittedly. IF folks here say it's ok to proceed with this glove, I would love to have it customized, but that option is only available if you buy through Rawlings... and we don't have the extra time to wait, and it would cost $60 more than going with the Dick's price.
Sorry for all the questions. Appreciate everyone's help. I have seen alot of knowledgeable replies by folks such as Annasdad, and others. Wishing all of your daughters a great start to the Spring Season (unless my daughter is the mound... then I would have to wish upon them a parade of whiffs...) Just kidding. (not really).
My question is thus:
My daughter plays 9U travel fastpitch. She plays Pitcher and Shortstop and is tall / muscular for her age. She is 4' 7" and weighs 75 lbs.... turning 9 next month (plays up a level). She is a very good player and is very strong for her age. She needs a new glove. I want to know if it's OK to get her an 11.75" Rawlings 2023 Liberty Advanced Color Series, or buy a youth glove that she will almost certainly grow out of in a year or two. She trains 6 days a week, has great nutrition, and is growing like a weed.
I found a review that listed pros and cons for the Liberty Advanced... a con was that it was "designed for smaller hands"... a pro was that "it comes 70% broken in".
I called Rawlings and a Customer Service Rep directed us to an R9 and said she was not ready for the Liberty Advanced. She is about the size of an average 10.5 year old. Can someone chime in and help me figure out if I am jumping the gun by purchasing an adult glove? By the way, our organization has a 20% Off Dick's coupon this weekend... and we can get the Liberty for $159.99 plus tax instead of $199.99 plus tax. Free steaming as well. Is the steaming OK to do?
I know she would like the colorway options of the Liberty... which had a bit to do with the brand / model selection admittedly. IF folks here say it's ok to proceed with this glove, I would love to have it customized, but that option is only available if you buy through Rawlings... and we don't have the extra time to wait, and it would cost $60 more than going with the Dick's price.
Sorry for all the questions. Appreciate everyone's help. I have seen alot of knowledgeable replies by folks such as Annasdad, and others. Wishing all of your daughters a great start to the Spring Season (unless my daughter is the mound... then I would have to wish upon them a parade of whiffs...) Just kidding. (not really).